Legacy of connection and service
Four seniors from Scotia-Glenville High School’s Civics Capstone class—Ansley Keith, Abigayle Snyder, Connor Raynsford, and Josh Frament—recently made a meaningful impact in their community by hosting a “Tech with Teens” workshop at the Glenville Senior Center. The event aimed to bridge the generational gap in technology skills, empowering older adults to better navigate the digital world.
The idea for the workshop was sparked by a personal experience shared by Ansley. During a phone call with her grandfather, she discovered that he didn’t know how to make calls on his iPhone and could only answer incoming ones. This revelation led Ansley and her classmates to wonder how many other seniors might face similar challenges. Together, they decided to create an event that would provide hands-on tech support to older adults.
The workshop was a resounding success, with about 20 seniors in attendance. Participants arrived with lists of questions, eager to learn how to use their devices more effectively. The students helped attendees with tasks such as adjusting font sizes on phone screens, organizing apps for easier access, and even setting up accounts for online platforms like Craigslist. One senior left the event thrilled to finally be able to sell his snowblower online—a task he had been putting off for quite some time.
The positive feedback extended beyond the participants. Employees at the senior center praised the students for their patience, knowledge, and ability to connect with the attendees. Ansley, Abigayle, Connor, and Josh hope their workshop will inspire others to continue bridging the generational gap through technology education.
“This was about more than just teaching tech skills,” said Superintendent Susan Swartz. “It was about building connections and showing that we can learn from each other, no matter our age.”
As part of the Civics Capstone class, the students earned the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness for their efforts, along with completing research papers and government lessons. Their teacher, Conor Quinn, commended their creativity and dedication, saying, “This project is a perfect example of how students can use their skills to make a lasting impact on their community.”